My FIRST Red Card...

[Forever A Shrimper]

My lad is on West Ham's books and, as bad enough youth football parents are, they are far worse at academy level. The majority, as opposed to a small minority in youth leagues, have assumed that as their kid has made it into a pro academy side they're more or less Premier League and international stars already so woe betide anyone who gets in their way. Opponents, managers, officials, they all get it from a huge amount of people who should know far far better.

I still remember one instance where a late challenge went in on my lad (a keeper), his nose started bleeding, and the parent next to me was complaining he took a dive and was play acting, interspersed with what'd he do to him if he was on the pitch. I said not a word of abuse, instead I cuffed him on the back of the head and said "I'm his Dad, try it with me and see how far you get." "You f***ing what?" came the reply. "Forget the match, say that to me, and see how much you end up bleeding." Silence. "Scared now are we?" I asked. More silence.

The lino flagged. The ref came over and listened to the lino. He marched over and I thought I was in trouble. Instead he pointed to the other parent. "You sir. A player has a blood injury and you threaten him in front of his parent. Leave the ground now. I have your son's name and I'll make sure you never ever attend a match he plays in again. You sir, are a disgrace." As he trudged off, expletives under his breath, I shouted out "I'll give you 30 seconds head start and then the gun's coming out." which thankfully amused everyone.

Well done on your red card. I think chinning such parents should be permissible too.

Lets not get ahead of ourselves, for now I just want respect from players. Laughing at managers and 'supporters' seems to shut them up although your method would probably have the same outcome.

 

[Perth Bambi]

"Rugby... a thugs game played by gentlemen... Football.. a gentlemens game played by thugs" .. couldnt be more apt in this day and age of Cashly Cole anger!

Which unfortunately is a load of bollocks, having spent a lot of time up North obviously i have a lot of mates who play rubgy and claim this but it is very rare in football you will get someone on stamping on your head on purpuse, gouging your eyes, punching you when you think the ref can't see it.

Just because once they have ripped someone's ear off they listen to the ref intently without answering back doesn't make them gentlemen.

 

[fredheim_holm]

Good refereeing, good effort.